▷ Hanukkah Is The Hebrew Term For What?

Hanukkah is a major Jewish holiday, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm around the world. The Hebrew word for Hanukkah is “Chag Urim,” which means “the festival of light.” This special time of year is when the Maccabees recapture the land of Israel from the Syrian-Greeks during the second century BCE and the restoration of the Holy Temple by Judas Maccabeus in the same year. During this period, Judaism was almost extinct as it was persecuted by the Syrian Greeks, and the people were not allowed to practice their faith.

Hanukkah has several important symbols that are associated with it. The most important symbol is known as the “Menorah.” This is a nine-branched candelabrum, which is lit each night of Hanukkah to celebrate the miracles that God performed during the Maccabean Revolt. Additionally, a type of pastry known as “latkes” is often served during this time of the year. Latkes are fried potato pancakes, which are a traditional Hanukkah food enjoyed around the world. Moreover, most families also play the traditional game of “dreidel.” This is a four-sided spinning top that Jews have been playing for centuries. The game was traditionally played for gelt (coins), but modern-day dreidels are often made of wax and given as prizes or used as decorative pieces.

The Meaning of Hanukkah

The celebration of Hanukkah is seen as a triumph regarding preserving Jewish identity and protecting the faith. The Maccabean Revolt resulted in religious freedom, and the period is seen as a reminder of the religious courage and the will to keep living Jewish traditions in the face of oppression. Hanukkah is a time to look back and appreciate all that has gone into making Judaism a thriving religion today.

Hanukkah Customs

During Hanukkah, Jews participate in several customs. These include the lighting of the Menorah, also known as the Hanukkah lamp, which consists of eight candles plus a ninth candle, which is known as the Shamash. On the first night, only the center candle, the Shamash, is lit. The Shamash is subsequently used to light the other eight candles during the eight days of Hanukkah. Additionally, people often give gifts to friends and family during Hanukkah, and children often receive symbolic Hanukkah gelt (coins). The practice of giving gelt or money is a reminder of the ancient custom of gifting a special token of donation to the Temple.

Families also participate in special Hanukkah activities, such as:
- Playing the game of dreidel
- Making Hanukkah crafts
- Preparing traditional Hanukkah foods such as latkes

Hanukkah is a significant Jewish holiday that brings people together in celebration of the faith and of Jewish identity. Whether people practice the customs according to the traditional methods or choose to celebrate in an adapted way, one thing is for certain: the joy of Hanukkah is felt by all. As a reminder of the triumph against oppression, it is important to appreciate the resilience of the Jewish people and to pass on the customs of the holiday to future generations.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.